Reviews

Facing the Moon: Poems of Li Bai and Du Fu by Li Bai, Keith Holyoak, Du Fu

mary_soon_lee's review

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4.0

This brief book contains Keith Holyoak's translations of brief poems by two of China's most highly-regarded poets, who lived in the 8th century, during the Tang Dynasty. Holyoak's introduction and notes on translations both provide valuable context. The brevity and appeal of the poems drew me through them quickly. Too quickly, I think. They deserve re-reading on a later occasion, or on multiple occasions. They use the specific to evoke the universal: loneliness, love, loss, friendship. I note that the Chinese originals are shown alongside the English translations. While I do not read or speak Chinese, I found this fitting.

agilani's review

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emotional relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? N/A
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.25

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